Smolder vs Zeri ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Smolder

VS

ADC

Zeri

Smolder vs Zeri

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on safely stacking (Q) while punishing Zeri's predictable CS paths with (W).
Smolder wins extended trades post-(Q) thresholds; Zeri thrives in long fights with (R) active.
Control wave states that deny Zeri wall access to limit her (E) mobility and kite potential.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto-attack Zeri during her last-hit animations only if enemy support can't punish.
Use (W) poke when Zeri clusters near minions, especially low-health casters, to maximize splash damage.
Avoid trading when (E) is up on Zeri, as she can dash away or reposition to punish you.

Danger windows

Respect (E) dash cooldown; engaging when it's down reduces her escape options.
Avoid fighting near walls where Zeri can use (W) and (E) to kite and reposition.
Beware extended fights with (R) active, as Zeri's mobility and DPS ramp up significantly.

Early game

Hold wave near your tower early to limit (E) wall dash escape.
Punish Zeri's last hits on caster minions with (W) splash when support cannot punish.
Avoid pushing too hard early to prevent giving Zeri easy (E) repositioning and poke angles.

Power spikes

At (Q) stack thresholds, your poke and execute power increase, letting you pressure Zeri safely.
Level 6 (R) lets you swing low-health fights and punish Zeri's all-ins or dives.
Post-first item spike, your poke and burst threaten Zeri before she completes her core items.

Win conditions

Convert safe (Q) stacks into lane pressure to force Zeri under tower and deny her farm.
Use (R) to heal and turn fights when Zeri commits or during dragon setups.
Crash waves after stacking (Q) to secure plates and control dragon vision for objective advantage.